ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST— SERIES II
There is a delicate balance that comes with trying to convey the epitome of luxurious travel in a vehicle that has a clear function; a space that is transportive and yet practical for use by an astute clientele.
Of all the vehicles created by Rolls-Royce, the Ghost is the most corporate focused model, leaning into the varying needs of a modern entrepreneur. Its size is perfectly positioned; both supporting and facilitating a more active and corporate lifestyle, fun to drive, while remaining distinctively executive.
When the new Ghost was announced in 2020 it was the replacement for—at the time—the best-selling Rolls-Royce ever produced, and so this updated model was both a highly anticipated and highly scrutinised.
Connected to their clients via the Rolls-Royce Whispers platform (and now app) they are in regular close contact, inviting views and opinions and using them to shape the outcome. The result was a new vehicle, retaining the much-loved persona from the original Ghost, while improving the driveability, technology, and of course sculptural design. It was also the first Ghost built on the Rolls-Royce Architecture of Luxury; an aluminium spaceframe chassis giving the designers and engineers freedom to create all they imagined.
Jump forward four years, and the second-generation Ghost still feels new, so much so that this new Ghost Series II didn’t really require updating—they just improved it because… well, they could. After all Sir Henry Royce did say “Take the best that exists and make it better”, and with Ghost Series II they’ve done exactly that.
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II in Jubilee Silver & Wittering Blue
Visually, they’ve sharpened the visage further, emphasising its monolithic shape and regal character by updating the headlight and daytime running lights. The illuminated pantheon grill has fewer distractions around it, giving it further prominence.
Inside, Ghost Series II is awash with new colours, materials and fabrics, a great addition being the new rayon fabric made from bamboo—called Duality Twill—which features an interlinked ‘R’ pattern embroidery, a nod to the two eponymous founders.
One of the visibly notable additions to the Series II cabin is the new Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet, submerged centrally in the dashboard, providing a space for the historic figurine to be showcased inside the vehicle, as well as on the bonnet. The Central Information Display has also been updated, now housed in pillar-to-pillar glass incorporating the digital dashboard.
The Ghost Series II has a Black Badge edition too, adding more areas —including the door handles—that are completed with a black finish, and exclusive 22-inch wheels among many of its custom additions.
“For Black Badge Ghost Series II, we have enhanced its owner-driver appeal by incorporating a high-power expression of our legendary engine along with an even more assertive and technical design treatment and textile palette.”
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
This reassuringly familiar vehicle is an improvement all-round, with many small tweaks that actually make it feel newer than a mid-life update, which in reality, it is. Much like a friend that’s been on a journey of self-improvement, we’re seeing the results of the Ghost’s journey; it’s been in the gym, read books, detoxed and emerged the other side a very good looking, well-rounded, character—and one that’s sure to catch the eye.
